Noggin Boss has taken the market by storm since appearing on season 13 of Shark Tank. Founders Gabe Cooper and Sean Starner have transformed their passion for larger-than-life headwear into a thriving business, despite initial challenges. Noggin Boss is worth an estimated $1 million as of 2023. The valuation has increased 5x since the show!
Appearing on Shark Tank
$30,000 in sales in the first four months caught the attention of the Sharks. Their biggest hurdle was securing licensing rights for the logos customers wanted, which they couldn’t fulfill for 95% of their orders. The Sharks saw potential in the business, and Daymond John ultimately offered $50,000 for a 30% equity stake. Mark Cuban also promised to help them gain exposure with the Dallas Mavericks if they went with Daymond’s offer.
Update After Shark Tank
Since the episode aired around March 2022, Noggin Boss has experienced strong growth. They’ve become a licensee of NASCAR team Hendrick Motorsports, selling hats for $125 each, and have gained popularity among celebrities, athletes, and television personalities. Their products have been worn by ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and University of Georgia football players following their SEC championship win.
The publicity from Shark Tank and the investment from Daymond John have allowed the company to forge valuable connections in the sports industry. Noggin Boss has since sold hats to the Arizona Cardinals, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and San Jose Sharks. They are also working on finalizing licensing for a more expansive offering. The viral aspect has played a huge role in lower customer acquisition costs!
Viral Success
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. wore one of the hats during a post-game interview. As a result, orders rose a whooping 2000%! From that moment, the brand gained traction, and the founders began receiving requests from sports teams, businesses, and nonprofits.
Despite the sudden surge in orders, Noggin Boss has remained committed to doing everything “100% above board” regarding licensing, according to Cooper. Noggin Boss operates out of Grand Canyon University’s business accelerator, Canyon Venture Center and employs 20 students.
In addition to the sports world, Noggin Boss hats have been popular at bachelor and bachelorette parties, college campuses, and charity events. Cooper believes that the product’s universal appeal and ability to bring joy to people will keep it relevant for years to come.
Noggin Boss continues to make a name for itself, proving that a unique product and a passionate team can achieve huge success. Their journey is far from over, as Cooper and Starner remain dedicated to bringing smiles to faces everywhere with their larger-than-life headwear.
